Whether the stage collapse was due to a fluke, unpredictable gust of wind known as a gustnado, and whether the force could have been anticipated, will undoubtedly be investigated in the coming weeks and months.

A different human tragedy, though, is entirely manmade, and could be easily remedied.

It was reported on Facebook and Dailykos yesterday that the local coroner's office was refusing to release the body to Santiago's legally married spouse, Alisha Brennan, because of Indiana's discriminatory marriage laws. This appears to be incorrect. In fact, the groups concerned with Santiago, Brennan, and their family are reportedly working with the coroner's office to obtain release of the body.

Still, the bolded language above deserves special attention. Even in the face of a legal marriage, this government agency has determined that Santiago's aunt is her next of kin. Would this be tolerated, or even suggested, if this were a married heterosexual couple?

To even ask the question is to answer it. It's encouraging that this situation appears to be on its way to a resolution, and the coroner's office appears to be handling it with sensitivity. Nevertheless, can someone explain to me how the public interest or family values are served by refusing to recognize this marriage?